Zombies through the years

October 9, 2013 11:41 AM

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The 1968 film that started it all. Romero's original zombie flick featured Judith O'Dea and Duane Jones as unfortunate survivors of a zombie outbreak in rural Pennsylvania. Unlike the big budget zombie films of today, the cause of the outbreak is left by the wayside as the film depicts gory, violent scenes of zombies eating the living.
Not only did the film gross $18 million on a $100k budget, it also kick-started the entire pop-culture fascination with zombies. less

The 1968 film that started it all. Romero's original zombie flick featured Judith O'Dea and Duane Jones as unfortunate survivors of a zombie outbreak in rural Pennsylvania. Unlike the big budget zombie films of ... more

The 1968 film that started it all. Romero's original zombie... Photo-5298409.71765 - Houston Chronicle

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Though most only know of Zack Snyder's questionably sincere 2004 remake, Romero's original Dawn of the Dead did it first and did it better. Survivors of a zombie apocalypse enter an abandoned shopping mall to wait for a rescue that may never come, fighting off the undead and their own interpersonal conflicts in the meantime.
The film is a classic, and is enjoyable because it features intelligent, relatable characters (rather than the cardboard cutouts of the remake, no matter how entertaining they may be). The film was made for $650k and grossed $55 million worldwide. less

Though most only know of Zack Snyder's questionably sincere 2004 remake, Romero's original Dawn of the Dead did it first and did it better. Survivors of a zombie apocalypse enter an abandoned shopping mall to ... more

Though most only know of Zack Snyder's questionably sincere... Photo-5298412.71765 - Houston Chronicle

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Zack Snyder's semi-faithful remake of the '78 classic. The characters are dumber, and the plot is much thinner, but the film does have its inarguable shining moments, including the survivors picking off celebrity look-a-like zombies from the rooftop.
The film was made for $28 million and grossed $102 million worldwide. less

Zack Snyder's semi-faithful remake of the '78 classic. The characters are dumber, and the plot is much thinner, but the film does have its inarguable shining moments, including the survivors picking off ... more

Perhaps not a 'zombie' movie in the traditional sense, Evil Dead still deserves an honorable mention for holding a special place in the hearts of horror buffs. Bites turn victims into demonically-possessed cannibals, and much gore and screaming ensues.
Made for roughly $350k, the film made just under $2.5 million worldwide. less

Perhaps not a 'zombie' movie in the traditional sense, Evil Dead still deserves an honorable mention for holding a special place in the hearts of horror buffs. Bites turn victims into demonically-possessed ... more

Perhaps not a 'zombie' movie in the traditional sense,... Photo-5298414.71765 - Houston Chronicle

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The 2002 film that created the subgenre of zombies lovingly called "Rage Zombies." Danny Boyle's post-apocalyptic London showcases sprinting, screaming, weapon-wielding zombies unlike those shambling numbskulls of Romero's classics.
The film creates incredible tension and nerve-wracking thrills through its use of these new zombie monsters, and endures as one of the strongest examples of modern horror filmmaking.
Made for 5 million GBP, the film grossed about 82 million GBP worldwide. less

The 2002 film that created the subgenre of zombies lovingly called "Rage Zombies." Danny Boyle's post-apocalyptic London showcases sprinting, screaming, weapon-wielding zombies unlike those shambling numbskulls ... more

The 2002 film that created the subgenre of zombies lovingly called... Photo-5298415.71765 - Houston Chronicle

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This never-ending line of adaptations of the popular video game series is still ongoing, despite the fact that the stories have nothing to do with the games, nor are they in any way compelling. Despite this, the zombies are creepy and the later monsters are entertaining to watch. This film deserves mention because it brought the popular game series into the wide public eye, and is one of few video game adaptations to find commercial success on the big screen.
Made for $248 million (total, over the whole series), the series has grossed almost $1 billion since its debut in 2002. less

This never-ending line of adaptations of the popular video game series is still ongoing, despite the fact that the stories have nothing to do with the games, nor are they in any way compelling. Despite this, ... more

This never-ending line of adaptations of the popular video game... Photo-5298416.71765 - Houston Chronicle

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The brilliantly funny and simultaneously bloody comedy from the minds of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, and directed by Edgar Wright, this film is easily the best zombie comedy ever made. From impeccably integrating every early joke in later scenes, to also somehow allowing audiences to develop attachments to the ridiculous characters, the film is a triumph of blending zombies and comedy.
Made for $6 million, the film grossed $30 million world wide. less

The brilliantly funny and simultaneously bloody comedy from the minds of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, and directed by Edgar Wright, this film is easily the best zombie comedy ever made. From impeccably ... more

This movie might not be wholly considered a zombie film, since its antagonists are more like mutants than the undead. However, it still brings back the engrossing, thrilling tropes of the undead films, such as the notion of a mob versus one survivor, enemies with no concern for physical pain or obstacles, psychological trauma caused by the moans and sounds of the monsters, etc.
While not quite as intelligent as the original novel, Will Smith's performance makes this adaptation worthy of a mention here. With fast-paced, 28-Days-Later-style monsters and the incredibly engrossing use of dilapidated sets and stunning CGI overlaid on NYC, this film is a must-see for action and horror fans alike.
Made for $150 million, the film made $585 million worldwide. less

This movie might not be wholly considered a zombie film, since its antagonists are more like mutants than the undead. However, it still brings back the engrossing, thrilling tropes of the undead films, such as ... more

This movie might not be wholly considered a zombie film, since its... Photo-5298418.71765 - Houston Chronicle

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The 2010 remake of this classic horror film is somewhere between awful and "so bad it's good" status, making it worth watching, at least in part. The writing is bad, the story is worse, and the "twists" are about as surprising as the fact that the film is about people going crazy. However, the ideas the film grapples with, such as the survivor vs. monster/zombie vs. military conflict that arises when the military enacts a quarantine, are interesting and handled in entertaining ways. There are more than a few groan-worthy moments in the film, but also some that call for consideration and recognition.
Made for $20 million, the film grossed $55 million worldwide. less

The 2010 remake of this classic horror film is somewhere between awful and "so bad it's good" status, making it worth watching, at least in part. The writing is bad, the story is worse, and the "twists" are ... more

The 2010 remake of this classic horror film is somewhere between... Photo-5298419.71765 - Houston Chronicle

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A sort of American "Shaun of the Dead," this horror-comedy knows exactly what it is, and makes no attempt to hide it. The jokes and zombies are hilariously over-the-top, and only get increasingly more fantastical as the film goes on. However, there are a few real, human moments in the movie that make it very praise-worthy, as it avoids a humor-only approach in favor of a balancing act that is executed remarkably well.
Also, Bill Murray's cameo may be one of the best performances of the man's career.
Made for $23 million, the film made just over $100 million worldwide. less

A sort of American "Shaun of the Dead," this horror-comedy knows exactly what it is, and makes no attempt to hide it. The jokes and zombies are hilariously over-the-top, and only get increasingly more ... more

A sort of American "Shaun of the Dead," this... Photo-5298420.71765 - Houston Chronicle

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This year's "zombie romance" film, based on the novel of the same name, is worth seeing not necessarily because of its quality (which is mediocre), but because of its uniqueness. An unusual and surprisingly humorous take on what a zombie is, and how it works, this film manages to find new ground to cover in a well-tread genre, and doesn't fail to surprise or engage the audience at different points.
Made for $35 million, the film made $116 million worldwide. less

This year's "zombie romance" film, based on the novel of the same name, is worth seeing not necessarily because of its quality (which is mediocre), but because of its uniqueness. An unusual and surprisingly ... more

The adaptation of Max Brooks' incredible Oral History of the Zombie War, this film is both incredibly satisfying and hugely disappointing. While it is a remarkably good, even excellent, zombie film, it bears little or no resemblance to the book of the same name. In fact, were it not for the shared name, I think I would hold both the book and the movie in equal regard. As it stands, however, I would say that it's easily one of the least-faithful adaptations ever made, despite its incredible value as a zombie film.
I would recommend that everyone read the book and see the movie, but to do everything you can to divorce the two from one another in your mind; as standalone entries in the genre, they are both equally impressive. The film is fast, twisted, shocking, and brutal. Brad Pitt's performance is exquisite.
On a budget of $190 million, the movie made $539 million worldwide. less

The adaptation of Max Brooks' incredible Oral History of the Zombie War, this film is both incredibly satisfying and hugely disappointing. While it is a remarkably good, even excellent, zombie film, it bears ... more

Finally, the show of the hour!
Debuting in 2010 to rave reviews, this adaptation of the hugely-popular graphic novel series has yet to disappoint. While season 2 was said to be slow in the mid season, the producers left no doubt about their ability to subsequently build tension and create incredible climaxes. Season 3 left us broken and battered, just like our loved survivors. It's time to get settled back in for another season of heartbreak, fear and excitement.
Set to come back on Oct. 13th at 9 p.m., season 4 is shaping up to be just as energetic, record-breaking and worthwhile as all the rest. less

Finally, the show of the hour!
Debuting in 2010 to rave reviews, this adaptation of the hugely-popular graphic novel series has yet to disappoint. While season 2 was said to be slow in the mid season, the ... more

Finally, the show of the hour!
Debuting in 2010 to rave reviews,... Photo-5298423.71765 - Houston Chronicle